Path 2

Path 2

KIND OF BLUE

December 25, 2013

Although Valerie June seemingly came out of nowhere, the Memphis-bred thirtysomething roots singer has been slinging her world-weary, soulful songs for close to a decade. Her August breakthrough, Pushin’ Against a Stone, just got the most attention, thanks to co-production and co-writing credits by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and some funky organ playing by ’60s soul trailblazer Booker T. Jones. Auerbach’s presence is hardly underplayed on songs like “You Can’t Be Told,” which could be a Keys outtake with its clapping rhythm and wonky bluesy chorus, but June proves her uniqueness on tracks like the lush and touching “Somebody to Love,” as she pines airily over Appalachian-style fiddle and some intricately embroidered acoustic orchestrations. There’s a genuineness that will likely sound even stronger in person. With Michael Daves.